Calf and Achilles
All that time on your toes loads the calves and the Achilles tendon, more so on hard courts and in hot weather.
Why it happens
Calf strains and sore Achilles tendons are common on padel trips: suddenly playing every day, on harder courts than at home, often in the heat and short of water.
What helps
Build up slowly before a week of padel. Drink enough in the heat and keep some salt in your drinks. Do slow calf raises a few times a week. Warm up the calves before the first sprint.
The routine
Slow calf raises on a step, three seconds up and three down, 12 reps Rest Slow calf raises with the knee bent, 12 reps Calf stretch against a wall, 30 seconds each leg
When to see a physio
Stop and see a physiotherapist or doctor straight away if you feel a sudden snap or a kick at the back of the heel, or cannot rise on your toes. See one too if soreness lasts more than two weeks.